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Local MP Alan Campbell recently went to see the Whitley Bay Pantomime Society’s performance of Jack and the Beanstalk

Following the performance Alan Campbell said ‘I thoroughly enjoyed going to see Jack and the Beanstalk which is one of my favourite pantomimes. It was the Panto Society’s 53rs performance. Well done to all those involved!”

Local MP Alan Campbell recently went to see the Whitley Bay Pantomime Society’s performance of Jack and the Beanstalk Following the performance Alan Campbell said ‘I thoroughly enjoyed...

On the 30th anniversary of bus deregulation, campaigners are calling on MPs to ‘take control of our buses’ by opposing the government ban on new public bus companies. Here in North Tyneside Alan Campbell MP, Mary Glindon MP and elected Mayor Norma Redfearn have joined the campaign.

The government wants the Bus Services Bill currently being debated to include Clause 21 which would stop English local authorities from setting up new municipal companies. The clause was defeated in the House of Lords but has been introduced again in the Commons.

The Transport Act 1985 was implemented on October 26th, 1986. Since deregulation, fares have risen well above inflation and many routes have been cut.

Alan Campbell MP said "It's absurd that after 30 years of the failures of private bus companies, the government is ruling out new public ownership of buses. It's time to take control of our buses and run them for people not profit. All councils should be not just allowed but encouraged to follow the lead of the public ownership success stories in Nottingham and Reading. I’d also like to thank the Tyne and Wear Public Transport Group who have worked so hard to keep this issue in the public eye.”

While buses are privatised in most towns and cities across the UK, there are 12 local authority-owned bus companies, for example in Edinburgh, Nottingham and Blackpool. In 4 of the last 5 years, local authority run buses have won Bus Operator of the Year at the Bus Awards.

Research from Transport for Quality of Life suggests we could save £506 million a year from buses outside London by bringing them into public ownership.

Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn said “I’ve recently written to Lord Ahmad at the Department for Transport to signal North Tyneside Council’s opposition to Clause 21. One of the biggest issues facing residents in North Tyneside is the lack of decent bus services. It should be about passengers not profit.”

Polling shows that 57% of the British public think local authorities should be allowed to set up new public bus companies – as opposed to 22% who don’t believe they should have this power. Amongst Conservatives, the majority still oppose Clause 21. Over four times as many people want more public ownership of buses than want more private ownership (46% to 11%). 26% want to see no change.

On the 30th anniversary of bus deregulation, campaigners are calling on MPs to ‘take control of our buses’ by opposing the government ban on new public bus companies. Here in...

883 (eight hundred and eighty three) runners took part in this year’s Woodlawn School Xmas Pudding Fun Run on Whitley Bay links this Boxing Day.

Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell, who starts the Run each Boxing Day, said "I want to congratulate and thank everyone involved in this year's Run, with almost 900 runners on a beautiful morning at the Coast and for a very good cause. A special thanks to North Shields Poly Athletics Club who do a great job organising the event."

North Shields Poly Athletics Club and Woodlawn Parents & Friends Association (WPFA) prepared 1000 bags to hand out to runners completing the Run. Each Start Fitness bag contains a Xmas pudding and a certificate courtesy of Potts Printers. At the end of the Run there were only 114 bags left.

“At one point we were worried we might run out of bags” says WPFA secretary Brenda Boyd “Thank you so much to all the runners, everybody who helped set up the Run, did the planning, worked on the registrations, marshalled the run, rode lead bikes, handed out bags, helped publicise the Run with Facebook shares and Twitter re-tweets, I'm naming no names because I'm sure to leave someone out. It wouldn't have happened without them and we are truly grateful.”

Whitley Bay Comrades Club opened up at 9.30 on Boxing Day morning so that Run registration could take place indoors, and runners and supporters could buy warming drinks. Runners went in through the front door, registered, collected their numbers and went out through the back door.

“We are grateful to Lynn Tait and her Committee at the Comrades Club for their help and cooperation” says John Brettell of North Shields Poly Athletics Club “Previously Run registration has taken place in the big bus-shelter on the Links, which could prove wet and windy. We do hope we’ll be able to return to the Comrades Club in future years. We must also thank Rachel Smith and the North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team for providing First Aid Cover.”

The first man home was Callum Johnson of Gateshead Harriers in 16 minutes 12 seconds, followed by Tom Cornthwaite of Salford Harriers in 16 minutes 12 seconds and Finn Brodie in 18 minutes 40 seconds. The first ladies were Kate Waugh of Birtley Harries in 18 minutes 40 seconds, Danielle Hodgkinson of Birchfield in 19 minute 10 seconds and Rachel Falloom of Alnwick Harriers in 21 minutes 20 seconds. Connor Marshall of Morpeth Harriers was the first Junior (under 16) finisher.

883 (eight hundred and eighty three) runners took part in this year’s Woodlawn School Xmas Pudding Fun Run on Whitley Bay links this Boxing Day. Tynemouth MP Alan Campbell,...

Here’s my recent News Guardian column reporting back to my constituents about my support for the Investigatory Powers Bill. I want to make clear my strong view – based on my experience as a former Home Office Minister – that sharing information and cooperating with our allies in the European Union are crucial in the fight against terrorism, child abuse and serious crime. I am also clear that the European Arrest warrant is a critical tool in tackling crime and criminals.

The first responsibility of government is to safeguard the security of its citizens. The Investigatory Powers Bill currently before parliament is an important of achieving that. The Bill seeks to update the powers available to the police and security services to tackle terrorism, child sexual abuse and online serious crime. Gathering and sharing information between forces and our European allies is key to successful policing and security in a modern age. There have been huge changes in technology and modern technology is often available to those who would do us harm as well as those who keep us safe. On one side our human rights legislation dates from a time when the biggest threat was to individuals from an overpowering and intrusive state; on the other the biggest threat now is from crazed and criminal individuals seeking to harm the state and community. A balance needs to be struck with powers that work but also safeguard people going about their lawful business such as journalists and trade unionists. The Investigatory Powers Bill needed to create laws which give greater transparency and are more clearly defined and proportionate. Because the Government and Opposition worked hard together to find common ground and address concerns, the Bill now does that and I was pleased to support it. Those changes, along with vital tools like the European Arrest Warrant, mean that those who work to keep us safe can get on with their job.

Here’s my recent News Guardian column reporting back to my constituents about my support for the Investigatory Powers Bill. I want to make clear my strong view – based on...

On Wednesday the House of Commons debated an Opposition motion on the economy and the EU.

Britain is a proud trading nation and the EU, taken as a whole, is the UK’s major trading partner, accounting for 44% of exports and 53% of imports of goods and services last year. The EU is a major source of inward investment into the UK. In 2014, EU countries accounted for £496 billion of the stock of inward Foreign Direct Investment, 48% of the total.

The motion which noted the framework the EU provides for trade, manufacturing, employment rights and cooperation and the billions of pounds-worth of investment and millions of jobs linked to the UK’s membership of the EU, which is the biggest market in the world.

Here in the North East remaining members of the EU is important for our regional economy:

Creates jobs and growth:

The EU single market helps North East businesses to trade and grow, allowing North East businesses to reach 500 million potential customers. If we left the EU growth could be at risk and businesses such as Hitachi and Nissan have said they would have to rethink their investment plans. Up to 160,000 jobs in the region rely on trade with the EU.

Invests in our region

The EU invests million in major projects across the North East. Pound for pound we get more back from the EU in regional funding than we pay in - for every £1 we put it we get £10 back. Lots of projects rely on EU funding such as business and industrial sites and coastal regeneration.

Protecting our rights

Remaining members of the EU will protect your rights at work including paid holidays and maternity leave and protects consumers with cheaper flights and mobile phone bills.

On Wednesday the House of Commons debated an Opposition motion on the economy and the EU. Britain is a proud trading nation and the EU, taken as a whole,...

Local MP Alan Campbell has officially opened a Pocket Park on Weyhill Avenue on the Meadow Well Estate. The park was built by volunteers from Cedarwood and the wider community with help from Newcastle University, TyneMet College and North Tyneside Council.

The park will encourage local children to find out more about nature and a range of activities will be coordinated by play champions.

Alan Campbell said "It is an honour to officially open the Weyhill Pocket Park. Thanks to Leyton and Leon for showing me round and congratulations to everyone involved."

Local MP Alan Campbell has officially opened a Pocket Park on Weyhill Avenue on the Meadow Well Estate. The park was built by volunteers from Cedarwood and the wider community...

Tourism and Heritage Minister David Evennett MP spent time in North Shields and Whitley Bay today to see at first hand the progress being made on regeneration.

He was invited to the area by local MP Alan Campbell to witness how investment in the area will help boost tourism and support the local economy. The visit included a stop at the Old Low Light in North Shields where the Minister met staff and volunteers at the heritage centre. They then joined Mayor Norma Redfearn at the Spanish City Dome to see the plans now the final investment for the site has been secured.

Alan Campbell MP said "I was delighted that the Minister accepted my invitation to visit Tynemouth to see first hand the progress we're making. We were able to discuss the important role Government has to play in bringing together the financial resources with the great community and entrepreneurial spirit we have here."

Tourism and Heritage Minister David Evennett MP spent time in North Shields and Whitley Bay today to see at first hand the progress being made on regeneration. He was...

Alan today joined local Scouts at a service of re-dedication and to mark St George's Day at Christ Church in North Shields.

Alan said "I always enjoy the St George's Day celebrations at Christ Church however this year was especially memorable as it also marked the winding of up of the 3rd Tynemouth Scout's Group centenary year. Well done to all those involved!"

Alan today joined local Scouts at a service of re-dedication and to mark St George's Day at Christ Church in North Shields. Alan said "I always enjoy the St George's...

A group of A Level economics students from Whitley Bay High School visited Westminster today and joined local MP Alan Campbell on a tour of Parliament.

Mr Campbell also arranged for them to meet with Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer John McDonnell MP to discuss some of the challenges facing the British economy.

Alan Campbell MP said "It was a pleasure to host the group in Parliament. This is the third time that Whitley Bay High School has organised the trip now and it's always great to see how interested the students are in the workings of parliament."

A group of A Level economics students from Whitley Bay High School visited Westminster today and joined local MP Alan Campbell on a tour of Parliament. Mr Campbell also arranged...

Alan Campbell recently met with The Royal British Legion’s local Area Manager, Marcus Hawthorn, to discuss support for the Armed Forces community and this year’s World War One commemorations.

The Royal British Legion is the country’s largest Armed Forces charity, providing welfare assistance to many thousands of veterans, serving personnel and their families. It is also the national custodian of Remembrance, best known for its emblem the red poppy. Alan attended the Legion’s event in Parliament to show his support for the charity’s work, and to meet with local area manager Marcus Hawthorn to discuss issues facing the Armed Forces community, as well as plans to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.

Marcus Hawthorn, the Legion’s Northern area manager, said “I was delighted to see Alan and we were grateful that he took the time to drop in. The Royal British Legion offers a range of welfare support all year round, and last year we answered over 450,000 calls for help. This event offered a great opportunity to spread the word about the range of services that we provide, and discuss our plans for the centenary commemorations of the Battle of the Somme. It was a pleasure to meet with Alan and I look forward to working with him on Armed Forces issues”.

Alan Campbell added, “I enjoyed meeting staff from The Royal British Legion and learning more about the work being done in my local area. Members of the Armed Forces community make huge sacrifices in the service of our country, and I am proud to support the work of the Legion in honouring the memory of the fallen and building a better future for the living.”